39 weeks and still nothing

[loritb]

I just came from my 39 week check-up, baby looks ok, but still hasn't dropped, no effacement, no dilation. The dr. says that if nothing by next Monday, I may need a C-section, he can't really induce unless the baby has locked in and effacement has at least started. But the baby is likely already over 8 pounds and everyday I feel more unconfortable.

Has anyone else faced this? Did you evenually go into labor, have to be induced or need a C-section? Just so frustrating to get this far and then stop progressing!! Any words of advice or wisdom, or thoughts of active labor beginning would be appreciated.
Thanks,

[egoldber]

The average first time pregnancy is 41 weeks. And many, many women do not efface or dilate until labor begins. I would strongly recommend avoiding an induction except for a medically indicated reason. The body of a woman is an amazing thing. Trust yourself. :)

[JElaineB]

Many women have had babies vaginally over 8 lbs! And nothing happening at 39 weeks especially for a first pregnancy is perfectly normal! Almost everyone who is 39 weeks preg is a little uncomfortable, it is normal too. Why does your doc think you would need a c-section, just because the baby might be 8 lbs.?? I was induced for medical reasons, it failed and I had a c-section. I WOULD NOT recommend either one! Sounds like there is no medical indication at this time for you to induce or have a c-section. If that is the case, let your baby come out when he or she is ready!

Jennifer
mom to Jacob 9/27/02

[bunnisa]

I wholeheartedly second what Beth said. Especially the avg length of first-time pregnancies.

For what it's worth, I never even had an internal exam until I was in labor and checked into the hospital.

My midwife's point of view (and mine) was, why check for dilation, etc, since a) it's NOT an indicator of when you'll go into labor, and b) there's nothing you can do about it! :)

I would do some research on this so that you can be well-informed. That way you can avoid having your Dr. pressure you into anything that's not medically necessary. It sounds like he is jumping the gun on this, and worrying you without real cause!

Bethany
It's a Boy!
William Eric
6/03

[Momof3Labs]

I agree with everyone, plus how do you know that the baby is likely already over 8 pounds? There is NO reliable way to estimate the weights of babies in utero, even ultrasound is known for being very unreliable!

It sounds sooooo normal - that baby WILL come out on his own; babies have been doing that for centuries!!

[deborah_r]

My OB was sure that my baby was well over 8 lbs and scared me telling me the baby was only going to get bigger in there...for that and other reasons, I agreed to be induced and ended up with a c-section. I was a tiny bit effaced before the induction, but no significant dilation. And my baby was 7 lbs 3 oz, which is considerably less than "over 8 lbs"! They tend to not get that weight prediction very accurately, from what I hear from other moms.

I wouldn't agree to be induced unless there is some other reason. Just based on my experience. Sending labor thoguhts your way...

[toomanystrollers]

Definitely wait it out :) - let your body do the work. Inductions are not fun!!! As for size, don't worry - my 10 lb., 23" dd was the easiest vaginal delivery I had - granted I was stretched out by the first two LOL

[Rachels]

Everyone is right! No kidding, I would NOT stick with a doctor so poorly informed about the normal course of pregnancy and birth! He's treating you as though you're having a problem, when in fact what you describe is totally normal and an indication that you're progressing like most first-time mothers. Also, it's nearly impossible to guess the weight of a baby in late pregnancy, even with ultrasound. You could have a much littler baby in there. Even if you had a bigger one, though, you could certainly still deliver vaginally. What your doctor is suggesting is in opposition to every study that's been done and in opposition to the W.H.O.'s recommendations for care in normal birth. He is not your advocate. If you want to learn more about this so that you can avoid unnecessary surgery, pick up either of Henci Goer's books and skim them. Don't let anyone convince you that this is abnormal or problematic! It sounds lke you're progressing perfectly.

ETA: http://www.hencigoer.com/
(Just to get you started. She's a major researcher and has done some of the most comprehensive synthesis of worldwide obstetrical / midwifery research in existence.)

-Rachel Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[Imperia]

Lori is totally right on about estimating birth weight , its COMPLETEKY inaccurate. It can vary up to apound either wa EVEN with an ultra sound. I had a bunch of ultra sounds late in pregnancy because they were worried about IUGR (intra uterine growth restriction) because I have chronic hypertension. They kept giving me different weights for her at 38 weeks they told me she was ver 7 pounds and would likely be around 8 at birth (she had grown!) Well guess what, she was born and only weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces. If they are guestimating by measuring your belly it's even more likely to be off.

I hope you don't have to be induced or have a c section, without a medical reason I wouldn't reccomend it. First babies are often "late" and due dates are not always completely accurate either. Unless your placenta is detriorating or your blood pressure is high you should try to let the baby come naturally.

Imperia

[Melanie]

There is a good article in the recent Mothering on c-sections and avoiding them.

By the way, I wasn't dialated or efaced or anything until my water broke and I went into labor. I had assumed I would go far beyond the due date, but it actually happened ON my due date.

Good Luck, and try to rest up!

[ShayleighCarsensMom]

I was 50% and 3 cm at 34 weeks. They thought I was going to deliver early...well, I was induced at 42 weeks, so it truely is no indication!!! They also thought I was going to have a huge baby (she was big, but only 8'11).
As hard as it is to wait (we all want to deliver early) just enjoy these last few days of your life child free...as it will drastically change forever!
Good luck and keep us posted!

[jbowman]

I know it's hard to wait, but rest assured that everything is normal! I remember the last couple of weeks were excruciating (for me the discomfort was psychological--I couldn't wait to meet my baby!), but just let nature takes its course. My daughter was 8 days late (I was PG 41 weeks and one day!) and as I recall, at my 39-week check-up I was 1 cm dilated--and nothing else happened until I went into labor. I was going crazy! I started to wonder: will I ever go into labor? Will the baby ever come?

I know this advice is hard to take, but here goes: sleep, sleep, sleep! Spend the last few days enjoying your *freedom* because everything is about to change! Focus on a hobby, go out to dinner with your husband, read a book, go to the movies, call your friends, clean, go on a walk, pay bills, wash baby clothes, etc. Try to keep you mind off of labor (a tall order I know)! Good luck! You are about to embark on a wonderful adventure--I am so excited for you!!!

[loritb]

Thanks for all the advice-If nothing happens by next week, I'll plan to tell the doctor we'll just wait it out as long as the baby isn't in distress!
Lori

[Lynnie]

...you could try walking around the block alot and having sex....i know it is an old wives tale, and perhaps it was a coincidence, but it worked for me with the last baby.

i have also read that raspberry tea is supposed to do something, but i never tried it. midwives and natural healing books have alot of little tricks like that, but i wouldn't try it unless i checked it out with someone and was sure it was ok.

i am in the opposite boat - have had preterm labor since week 26, and am at home on bedrest with a uterine monitor and a terbutaline pump...(which is better than the hospital though!) preganacies are often difficult, but always worth it !

good luck, and hang in there. (seriously though, recruit your hubby to try to help things along. i kid you not it worked for me last time....)

[Melanie]

Oh, and as long as you're not dialated....take a nice (not too warm) bubble bath! =)

[amp]

We were expecting a large baby with my son, which was monitored through multiple ultrasounds (also monitoring a different medical issue). My US at the end of 38 wks to estimate fetal weight guesstimated Jake to be 10 lbs 15 oz. My OB immediately scheduled a CS. I was not dilated or effaced at that point, nor was I dilated or effaced a few days later when she checked me and updated me on what to expect w/ the CS (that last visit was about 5 days before my due date). I was scheduled for the CS 3 days before my due date. I went into labor early that morning, so if I had labored, I probably would have given birth (I like to think ;-) ) that day or the next day. FWIW, Jake was born at a hefty 10 lbs 9 oz...just about a 1/2 lb off from the estimate!

So, while you may or may not need a CS, I can tell you that I did not dilate or efface a even few days before contractions started and I lost my mucous plug. Also, lots of people will tell you that US to estimate fetal weight are inaccurate, and while that may be true, ours was terribly accurate! And, if you end up having a CS (something few of us would like), it can still be very successful, satisfying and wonderful! I was terrified, but my son is here, he is healthy and we are happy! That's all that matters!

Good luck to you!

[trumansmom]

And here's the infamous eggplant parmagiana recipe that has helped some of the folks on this board. (Didn't Joanne go into labor after a couple of bites?!) I'm thinking of making it this weekend and freezing for when I don't think I can last another day!!

Eggplant Parmigiana Alla Scalini's

Ingredients:

• 3 medium sized eggplants
• 1 cup flour
• 6 eggs, beaten
• 4 cups fine Italian bread crumbs, seasoned
• Olive oil for sautéing
• 8 cups of marinara sauce (recipe below)
• 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 pounds of mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups of ricotta cheese

Directions:

1. After you wash the eggplant, slice them into ¼-inch thick slices. You may choose to peel the eggplant before you slice it. However, you may want to leave the skin on since it contains a lot of vitamins.
2. Place the eggplant slices on a layer of paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt, then cover with another layer of paper towels and hold it down with something heavy to drain the excess moisture. Let them sit for about an hour.
3. Working with one slice of eggplant at a time, dust with flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat well with breadcrumbs.
4. Sauté in preheated olive oil on both sides until golden brown.
5. In baking dish, alternate layers of marinara sauce, eggplant slices, ricotta, parmesan and Romano cheeses, until you fill the baking dish, about 1/8 inch from the top. Cover with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake for 25 minutes in a 375 degree oven. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Scalini's Marinara Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons of chopped garlic
• 3 Tablespoons of olive oil
• 8 cups chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup of fresh chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper
• 1/8 cup of fresh chopped sweet basil
• Pinch of thyme
• Pinch of rosemary
• One teaspoon salt
• One teaspoon black pepper


Directions:

1. Lightly sauté the onions in olive oil in large pot for a few minutes.
2. Add garlic and sauté another minute.
3. Add tomatoes and bring sauce to a boil, then turn heat low.
4. Add remaining ingredients, stir, cover and let simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally

Enjoy!


Oh! And DS was 9lbs. 2 oz. and delivery was a piece of cake. Don't worry too much about the size.

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/29/01 and EDD 4/23/04!

[Lynnie]

...that looks delicious ! any recipes for keeping the baby inside for a little while longer ??

[jesseandgrace]

I can not believe the doctor said anything. 39 weeks is not even late! My DS was born three days before the due date - I never dropped and was not dilated until well into labor (I think he would have been much later except my water broke first and started things going). My DD was nine days late, so she was 41 1/2 weeks. Yes I was uncomfortable and could not believe she was so late, but she was fine. Ds was 8 pounds 12 ounces, dd was eight pounds 13 ounces. I was huge with both but my placenta was also big - I guess big babies have big placentas, so I do agree that it is hard to judge the size of the baby. My OB is really good, and here is what he did:

39 weeks - he did an ultrasound on his little machine in the office to check for pockets of amniotic fluid - everything looked good so he had no worries that I did not seem even close to labor.

40 weeks - regular exam on a Friday - everything seemed fine. Monday he sent me to a specialist to have an ultrasound to check that the baby was fine. Everything was.

41 weeks - regular check up, still no dropping, 2 centimeters dilated so he stripped my membranes. YUCK!

41 weeks and two days I went into labor - but he was planning to induce by 42 weeks because of size concerns.

I hope this helps, I thought it might be good to show you what other docs did in the same situation.

Hang in there. I know it sucks to be late! Every day I walked in to work every person would gasp that I was still there.

[loritb]

Thanks for the details. That helps. I'll see about the detailed US, that may help.

I guess I wasn't quite as clear, my dr. didn't say he would do anything when I'm 40 weeks, just that we'd need to make some plans for if I'm too late and also that if the baby doesn't drop and he is too big, a C-section would be a be a better option than inducing.

Hopefully, something will happen in the next week or so and it won't be an issue.

[Rachels]

But do you hear the implication in his comments? It's an underlying assumption that something will go wrong and that your body can't be trusted to birth your baby. Instead of saying, "Oh, listen, it's totally normal to go to 42 weeks with a first pregnancy, and we'll just keep an eye on the baby and assume that this is just fine," he's saying, "Let's behave as though there's a problem and make an aggressive action plan even though we have no evidence that this is anything but totally normal." It undermines you and your body. At least HALF of the cesareans done in the US are medically unnecessary. That's a crazy number. Find something in you that believes in yourself and your baby, and don't let this doctor make a statistic out of you. Sending you good labor vibes when your baby is ready! :)

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[nyc mom]

Lori, I'm in a very similar situation - 39 weeks (almost 40), no dropping, and a baby estimated at 8 1/2 pounds as of Tuesday. I am 80% effaced and have been 2 cm dilated for the last two weeks (and 1 1/2 cm the week before that). (Also, I spent about 18 hours from Sunday to Monday in false labor - contractions 6 minutes apart.) I hear what people have said about weight estimates being inaccurate, but I guess you have to decide how comfortable you feel with the people who are advising you and how well they know you. If I haven't delivered by next Thursday, we are going to discuss induction, and that seems not only a reasonable *discussion* to have, but also a prudent one. My husband weighed 12 pounds when he was born (he is now 6'4") and his mom is 5'11." I am 5'2," and given the effacement and dilation, the lack of dropping does raise questions. While I know *people* have given birth to large babies, I take no more comfort in that than any general fact or figure. What is important is what is right for *me.*

I'm really uncomfortable, too, and feeling increasingly guilty for not being at work with no baby to show for my absence, but am trying to relax as much as possible. The past day and half have been some of the most laid back days of my life and I know I won't have days like them again for a really long time!

Hang in there - you're not alone!

[californiagirl]

At 39 weeks I was not effaced, not dilated, and the baby hadn't
dropped. Ditto at 40 weeks. Ditto at 41 weeks, when we started doing
non-stress tests and ultrasounds to check amniotic fluid levels
(which were excellent at 41 weeks, not so hot at 41 +5). Ditto at 42
weeks, so in the evening I went into the hospital for cervical ripening
with cervidil so they could induce the next day. I went into labour with the cervidil alone, and was engaged, effaced, and at 4cm by 7 am. In the
end, labour stalled and they did end up inducing me with pitocin, but
I delivered a 7 lb, 4 oz, 42+1 baby vaginally, and I came within less than a centimeter of delivering said baby with cervidil alone!

So she wasn't too big, and I didn't need a C-section just because I
wasn't effaced, dilated or engaged, and the worst complication she had was long fingernails and a full head of hair. She had apgars of 8 and 9, even though she was covered in meconium.

My OB does not have the world's best bedside manner, but I am profoundly grateful that he was willing to start with current recommendations (which say not to induce until 42 weeks unless something is actually wrong) and then override hospital policy to continue to try for a vaginal birth as long as the baby and I were not in distress.

[mommab]

My birth story was almost exactly like "californiagirl"'s...but I was admitted to the hospital at 43 weeks (the due date was very reliable!)to be ripened with cervidil (I had had perfect stress test scores, but the OB was concerned about the "quantity" of my amniotic fluid). I had zero dilated & 30 percent effaced, but the cervidil sent me straight into labor. I was trying for a non-drug (Bradley) birth and made it to 8 cm when dd settled on my tail bone...after 18 hours, the epidural and pitocin were administered, and after 24 minutes of pushing...out she came. One thing to note is that the OB broke my water late in the game (maybe 15 hours in) and there was plenty of it and it was clear!! So the moral of my story is...wait it out if medically safe!!! Women were made to birth their babies!!